Don't get so uptight. I was only trying to reconcile the fact that the display indicates the loco has metal siderods, wheels & detail parts. You are right Bachmann has done some strange things in the past, and this looks like one of them. I am trying to document the set for a book I am writing. Many people have in good faith provided incorrect information to me in the past, so it is important to me to be absolutely sure, and verify everything.

There is often confusion when a new item comes out, and this is no different. I appreciate your input and still need answers to the other questions about the set.

Just got home from sams. I can safely say the side rods are plastic. But the leds are on both sides of the caboose. But the display has it on only one side. Cost cutting measure on the display I am sure.Caboose is track powered have not checked the set out fully yet to see if the sounds etc are also track powered will post that later.

Still none in my local store, See if you can get the car number of the gondola if you get the chance. Did you notice if the caboose or stock car have a number? Also was wondering what the lettering is on the caboose letterboards?

Gondola says on ends NP&S 50807. No numbers on stock car or caboose. If I understand what you mean the lettering is the NORTH POLE & SOUTHERN. Still not sure if the sound etc is run by the track or batteries. I have no track laid anywhere yet to try train out on yet.The instruction Manuel is not clear on it either. But the tender has contact shoes on the wheels and also the battery compartment on tender has the normal hook ups for battery inside. Seems to me if they bypassed the battery compartment for track feed .Why spend the extra parts/money to put the electrical contacts etc in the compartment. Over all i like the set the only problem I can maybe see, is if the leds are bright that maybe you might have"bleed through "back into the caboose and may not look right. Figure that could be fixed by a quick paint job on the inside of caboose to darken it.

While I am not so much a starter set guy, I do like the idea of the lights on the loco, tender and caboose. Kind of different, and while it might not appeal to all, I think it is neat. The way my railroad runs outside, it would certainly look cool all lit up on a dark December night. I'll have to keep an eye out for the after Christmas sale price. If the price is right, it might join the roster, but I would need to repaint the valve gear and side rods immediately!

OK I finally put a few straight pieces of track together and hooked up engine, tender and caboose. The bad the leds are dependent on track voltage, so slow speed = low light output. the good they do get nice and bright plus the caboose light does not bleed through. Plus the engiine sounds etc are still powered through the nine volt so the sams site details are wrong on that point.Any toher questions feel free to ask.